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The LCA Communications crew is taking a break over January, which will be our only chance to do that during 2015. Therefore, LCA eNews will be on holidays also. You can expect the next exciting edition in your inbox on Wednesday, 11 February. In the meantime, all of us on the LCA National team wish you a blessed Christmas as you celebrate our Saviour's birth, and joy in your new adventures as you follow him into 2015.

Congratulations to Redeemer, Glen Waverley (Vic), who make a big effort to welcome new friends to their church during Advent. You can read their story here. How do you celebrate Advent in your congregation or community? What do you do to make visitors feel welcome at your place at this special time of year? Please send your stories and photos to Linda Macqueen, LCA Communications Coordinator, for possible inclusion in our 2015 Advent communications and resources.

Dates and venues for Delegate Training have been set, and are available via the General Convention webpage or direct download. Please advise your Convention delegate so that he/she can make arrangements to attend. This training applies to all lay and pastor delegates, even those with extensive Convention experience. Remember too that delegates serve for the entire three-year synodical term, until the 2018 Convention. They are to be elected, with their details in LAMP, by 31 January. Read these step-by-step instructions if you're having trouble - click here for the PDF. Please ensure that delegate nominees are fully aware of their responsibilities before they commit; the role involves much more than a visit to Brisbane. More information about delegate responsibilities.

3 TIMES Government Grant + 3 Finger-puppets of fun!
This year our Lutheran family can TRIPLE our impact through the ALWS Christmas Action campaign. The Australian Government has provided a $315,786 grant for our Lutheran work in Burundi. This is linked with $129,000 from ALWS, meaning each donation TRIPLES in impact. PLUS, everyone is welcome to also send an ALWS 'Puppet Pack' as a personal gift to a child in Burundi.

Position available in the LCA National Office for HR Support Officer (0.6 - full-time), 3-year contract; to assist with payroll and database; experience with Preceeda an advantage.

• Location: Adelaide   
• Start date: ASAP  
• Applications close 12 January

More information: Debbie Venz LCA Business Manager, 08 8267 7327
A job description will be available on the Employment page shortly.

The Board for Child Youth and Family Ministry, with the support of  General Church Council, invites expressions of interest from pastors of the Lutheran Church of Australia for the position of Pastor for Grow Ministries. More information. A position description and information package is available from Jodi Brook, National Director, Grow Ministries;
0417 542 376. Expressions of interest will be received up until Friday, 23 January 2015.

Available 1 February 2015 - $20
Order through your congregation's group collector, local Lutheran bookshop or from Australian Church Resources:
- email service@acresources.com.au
- phone 1300 37 75 75
- ionline www.acresources.com.au

Check out Lutheran Media’s fantastic new Happyland resource – an online Advent calendar for children. It includes Grow Ministries GIFT resources, plus recipes, colouring-in, games, crafts, singalongs, video clips, Bible readings and prayers. This is a brilliant resource to use with your children’s Christmas programs and activities, and as you create Advent anticipation at  home – from our very own Lutheran Media www.happyland.com.au/advent

Grassroots Training workshops are for all sorts of people (employed church workers or volunteers) and for all sorts of reasons (professional development or personal growth). Please alert your members to the range of workshops. They are CEP-approved for pastors.

A superb resource from Grow Ministries! Lectionary-based discussion-starters for all the family, applying the Year B readings to faith at home and everyday life.

The FREE 2015 Scripture Calendar has:
• inspirational pictures and Bible verses
• large open date boxes for you to write in
• suggested daily Bible verses to read that follow the seasons of the church
• Public holidays and remembrance days
• School terms
Order your free 2015 Scripture Calendar at www.lutheranmedia.org.au or call us on 1800 353 350. They make great gifts.

We advise that the interest rate on Savings Accounts will be 3.25% per annum from 1 December 2014. This interest rate applies to all LLL interest-bearing Savings Accounts.This interest rate change is due to an extended period of historically low interest rates in the current economic environment.

LLL depositors provide substantial benefits to the LCA via their Savings Accounts, and this interest rate reduction will enable the LLL to continue to maximise support to the LCA, its congregations, schools, aged-care facilities etc, while also returning a reasonable rate of interest to depositors.

If you would like more information about how LLL accounts support the church, please read our Together in Mission and Annual Report publications, which are available on the LLL website or by contacting the LLL office 08 8360 7200.

We sincerely thank all depositors for their continued support of the church via their LLL Savings Accounts. We thank God for the many blessings that he provides, and for continuing to bless the work of the LLL as we support the mission of the church.

For more information contact the LLL office 08 8360 7200 or visit our website.

ALC provides accommodation for up to 100 private boarding residents. Our community is Christ-centred and it is expected that each member is either a practising Christian or is supportive of the Christian way of life. If you know a young person currently studying in Adelaide or planning to next year, contact ALC boarding@alc.edu.au  Applications for boarding in 2015 are available now on our ALC website.

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